FROM YOU

We reached out to readers on our Facebook and asked them to share their experiences with private Catholic schools.

Here are their responses:

• "A Catholic school education formed me as a person. I received a well-rounded education where I was taught academic excellence. We learned how to serve the less fortunate and to believe in ourselves. Now as a successful adult, I see how small class size and teachers that challenged each student individually made a difference. My Spanish teacher, Mrs. Boyd, inspired me to learn Spanish fluently. I am so grateful because speaking a second language has been one of the biggest gifts of all time." - Sarita Villafranca Richmond, 38, Victoria

• "I attended private, Catholic school starting when I was 3 years old all the way through high school. A few strengths would have to be the sense of community, the ability to fully know the people you are going to school with and a positive atmosphere that revolves around morals and spirituality." - Leslie Zepeda, 20, San Antonio

• "Because of my wonderful experience in Catholic grade school and, in particular at St. Joseph High School, we have made the same commitment that my parents did to send our own two sons to Catholic school in the North Austin area. I remember my classmates and their parents. The tight-knit community of families were like extra sets of aunts and uncles to me when it came time to celebrate important events in my life after graduation. Many came to my wedding, baby showers, etc. The tight-knit community of families not only support their own children but their children's friends, like an extended family. The families share good times and difficult times together. Friendships are deeper when the families are friends." - Lisa Alvarez Salas, 37, Round Rock

• "I believe the standards at a Catholic high school to be higher at than at a public high school. Thus giving the student an overall better quality of education with added moral standards." - Lisa Capurso, 42, Humble

• "I'm not a religious person, but I'm glad I attended Catholic school (Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, Class of '92). I found teachers there who challenged me. Small class size meant teachers had the time to invest in me. My school was college prep, too, and our days were structured more like college: classes didn't meet daily, and homework was assigned in two-week chunks. It was difficult at first, but by the time I graduated, I had developed study habits and time management skills that would serve me in college and professionally. Most importantly, not having to compete with boys in the classroom developed my confidence. I don't suffer from that distinctly feminine shyness that so many women develop as young girls. I always speak up at work, and I attribute that to my Catholic school education." - Jacquie Fuller, 40, Minneapolis

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: St. Joseph High School annual open house

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14

• WHERE: St. Joseph High School Gym, 110 E. Red River St.

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: St. Joseph High School Shadow Day

• WHEN: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 11

• WHERE: St. Joseph High School, 110 E. Red River St.

• INFO: You must reserve a spot in advance to shadow a St. Joseph student for a day. For more information, contact Jen Korinek, admissions coordinator, at 361-573-2446 ext. 217 or jkorinek@stjvictoria.com.

Ariana Junor lifted her hands in the air while mouthing the words to the Lord's Prayer next to her St. Joseph High School classmates.

Other students around her either joined in or stood silently during the Catholic school's weekly Mass.

Even though she isn't Catholic, she enjoys participating in parts of the campuswide Mass, said Ariana.

Next to the open door hung a portrait of Jesus Christ - something you wouldn't normally see at a public school.

Once the newscast ended, Sauer welcomed her students with a reading from Galatians 6:7-10: "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow."

"I begin each class with scripture so that we can focus for a moment on our Christian faith and learn from the scriptures," Sauer said.

Some, but not all, teachers at St. Joseph like to start their classes with scripture, said Olivia, 17.

The mandatory weekly Mass and spots of scripture come as a convenience and a comfort, said Olivia, a practicing Catholic.

"It's allowed me to grow more in my faith," Olivia said. "We don't seclude one faith from the other; we want all of our faiths to grow together."

After introductions, Sauer led her students down the hall for the laboratory portion of the class.

The students were learning about weight and mass unit conversions.

A miniature Texas A&M University helmet rested on the scale.

"A&M is one of the most popular colleges at our school," Olivia said.

St. Joseph principal Bill McArdle said 28 percent of St. Joseph students are accepted at either Texas A&M or the University of Texas-Austin.

"The profile of our school is one universities appreciate," McArdle said. "They have good grades, high SAT scores and community service hours coming in."

Based on a five-year average, 85.6 percent of St. Joseph students taking Advanced Placement courses were eligible to receive college credit, compared to 50.6 percent statewide and 60.6 percent globally, according to an information sheet included in the Shadow Days student packet.

After the bell rang, Olivia rushed to her locker, searching for the books she needed for her next class - AP-English taught by English Department Chairwoman Gretchen Boyle.

"You can get a tardy in some classes if you forget your book," Olivia said.

Boyle did not begin the class with a scripture but instead reminded students to turn in their money for their graduation announcements.

The students then pulled out their copies of "Hamlet" and read silently along as a vinyl record provided narration.

Once second period ended, the students gathered in the courtyard for a 15-minute break before third period.

Ariana, a freshman, walked through the courtyard on her way to Algebra I-Honors shortly after the break bell rang.

Martin began class by going over the homework answers and later went over the Laws of Exponents.

With about 10 minutes left before the end of class, Martin allowed students time to start on their next assignment.

A statue of the Virgin Mary looked out at the students as they completed their work.

"The homework load was probably the hardest thing, but by the second month, I got used to the homework load," said Ariana, who began as a freshman this year. "... On busy nights, I'll skip tennis and spend the whole afternoon studying."

After third period, students walked outdoors toward the campus gymnasium for the mandatory Mass service.

On Mass days, students often wear formal attire and aren't allowed to chew gum during the service, Ariana said.